Over 430 arrests and counting for our Operational Policing Unit (OPU)

Since January, our Operational Policing Unit (OPU) has made a significant impact in the fight against crime, arresting over 430 individuals, including high-risk and wanted offenders.

Operating across five shifts, the OPU is a vital resource in proactive policing, delivering a 24-hour policing response with firearms officers, roads policing teams, and dog handlers working together.

Working closely with teams across the force including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Domestic Abuse & Rape Team (DART), Child Abuse, Trafficking and Exploitation (CATE) Team, and Local Policing, they work around the clock to swiftly respond to intelligence and make arrests, which helps reduce demand on frontline teams and achieve the best outcomes for our investigations.

Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) Inspector Leanne Mason, commented,

“We have the right tools and resources including powerful cars equipped with advanced technology and highly qualified drivers to help us achieve such great results.

“We also have the freedom to patrol proactively, targeting criminals using our road networks, while also responding to live incidents, dealing with serious road traffic collisions and firearms incidents.”

This flexibility has also enabled the OPU to patrol burglary hotspots at night, and collaborate with neighbouring forces like Thames Valley Police (TVP) and West Midlands Police on cross-county operations, including a recent joint arrest involving a suspect vehicle tracked across borders. Their proactive approach, combined with access to, and the ability to use, Method of Entry (MOE) equipment, means they can act independently and efficiently.

Sergeant John Bradley, who leads OPU’s E-shift, has driven up their arrest figures, with a team focus on high-risk outstanding offenders that has seen them make 140 arrests since January. Their work specialises in firearms and dog support, and spans a wide range of offences, from executing warrants and catching drink drivers to tackling burglaries and road traffic incidents.

As Sergeant Bradley puts it:

“This is why we joined the police - to go out and get the baddies and make a difference. I understand the demand and pressures on other teams, and if we can assist in reducing their workloads, I see that as a positive. They can focus on investigations and support our most vulnerable victims. We don’t investigate crimes ourselves, but we’re highly trained in tactics like TPAC (Tactical Pursuit and Containment), advanced driving, firearms, Method of Entry (MOE) and first aid, and we carry all the kit. Why not use us?”

One standout case involved a known offender arrested for domestic violence and harassment offences. The operation, managed by the OPU, uncovered a live handgun, nine rounds of ammunition, £1,000 worth of cocaine, and drug paraphernalia – that saw the suspect jailed for five years.

With a clear focus, tactical expertise, and a relentless drive, the OPU continues to make a name for itself - proving that proactive policing is a powerful force in keeping communities safe.

Issued: JB, Corporate Communications